Pemra’s definition of social boundaries for the drama and entertainment industry needs to be set with consideration
LAHORE: It is good to see Pemra actively regulating the broadcast of content on TV in Pakistan, where the medium continues to be the major source of infotainment and entertainment. The medium holds the power to influence its viewers belonging to different social sects, giving them exposure to content that could be misleading or highly deceiving.
However, lately the notices served to various media houses pertaining to the violation of code of conduct and the rules set by the authority seem to be ambiguous in its definition and implication. For instance, a few days ago the regulatory body served a notice for a handful of TV dramas for violating the rules set by the authority. However, the definition for immoral and unethical content which is against social acceptance wasn’t specified and it needs to be less ambiguous and more clear.
As the authority operates to monitor and prevent anything that is anti-state, anti-national and against the norms of the society, Pemra’s definition of social boundaries for the drama and the entertainment industry needs to be set with the consideration of different social classes in Pakistan. So that the progress the media industry has made in the country over the past decade is not hampered by unjustified ban on TV channels or their dramas.
Alina Haider
Published in The Express Tribune, August 18th, 2017.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
